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United States Patent |
5,181,655
|
Bruckelmyer
|
January 26, 1993
|
Mobile heating system
Abstract
A mobile heating system for thawing frozen ground. The system includes a
hot water heater, antifreeze reservoir, and pumps mounted on a mobile
apparatus such as a trailer for being towed by a car or truck. A line is
connectable to the heater and antifreeze reservoir and includes a
plurality of elongate heater probes for being implanted in the ground,
adjacent a frozen water or sewer line. Circulation of hot water through
the line and probes thaw the ground. Alternatively, the probes may be used
to heat building material such as bricks.
Inventors:
|
Bruckelmyer; Mark (5617 McQuade Rd., Duluth, MN 55804)
|
Appl. No.:
|
739465 |
Filed:
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August 2, 1991 |
Current U.S. Class: |
237/1R; 165/45; 405/131 |
Intern'l Class: |
E03B 007/14 |
Field of Search: |
405/131,258
237/1 R
165/45
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
340161 | Apr., 1886 | Sooysmith.
| |
879745 | Feb., 1908 | Cooper.
| |
1390457 | Sep., 1921 | Moran.
| |
1587984 | Jun., 1926 | Pearce.
| |
1704577 | Mar., 1929 | Pomykala.
| |
2617597 | Nov., 1952 | Bonilla | 237/1.
|
3293863 | Sep., 1963 | Cox et al.
| |
3699685 | Oct., 1972 | Scott.
| |
3762171 | Oct., 1973 | Bjorheim et al.
| |
4094151 | Jun., 1978 | Fujita et al.
| |
4676695 | Jun., 1987 | Duthweiler.
| |
4986311 | Jan., 1991 | Mikkelson.
| |
Primary Examiner: Rosenthal; Arnold
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Palmatier & Sjoquist
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A heating system for thawing frozen ground comprising
a) a water reservoir and fluid lines connected to the water reservoir;
b) a first pump connectable to the lines for pumping fluid through the
lines;
c) a heater coupled to the water reservoir for heating the water;
d) a plurality of heater probes connectable to the lines in series spaced
arrangement, the heating fluid being pumped through the lines, each probe
being elongate for insertion into the ground and having an inner and outer
concentric tube, with the inner tube having an upper means for connecting
to a line and a plurality of lower openings, and the outer tube having an
upper means for connecting to the line for series flow of liquid through
the inner and outer tubes;
e) an antifreeze solution reservoir connectable to the lines for storing an
antifreeze fluid for being pumped into the lines; and
f) two-way valves connected to control flow from the water reservoir and
the antifreeze solution reservoir.
2. The heating system of claim 1, wherein the heater, antifreeze reservoir,
and pump are mounted on a mobile apparatus.
3. The heating system of claim 2, wherein the water reservoir includes a
fluid tank for storing a supply of the heating fluid.
4. The heating system of claim 1, wherein the lines comprise inlet and
outlet portions relative to the plurality of probes, each of the inlet and
outlet portions connectable to said two-way valves, the valves controlling
flow of water and antifreeze fluid to and from the lines and probes.
5. The heating system of claim 1, and further comprising a second pump, the
first pump being in fluid communication with the antifreeze reservoir for
pumping the antifreeze fluid into the line, the second pump in fluid
communication with the water reservoir for circulating water through the
line.
6. The heating system of claim 5, wherein the outer tube includes an egress
port adjacent the proximal inflow end of the inner tube such that the
fluid flows an effective distance against the outside tube for heat
transfer.
7. The heating system of claim 6, wherein the outer tube is connectable to
a T-shaped tubular connection, the T-shape connection being connectable to
the line and being in fluid communication with the egress port.
8. The heating system of claim 7, wherein the T-shaped connection is
connectable to an elbow tubular connection, the elbow connection being in
fluid communication with the proximal inflow end of the inner tube.
9. A mobile heating system for thawing frozen ground and the like,
comprising
a) a mobile apparatus having means for ground transport;
b) a hot water heater mounted on the mobile apparatus, the heater having a
hot water tank for storing a supply of water;
c) a fluid line connectable to the hot water tank;
d) a first pump connectable to the fluid line and in fluid communication
with the hot water heater for pumping water through the line, the first
pump being mounted on the mobile apparatus;
e) an antifreeze reservoir connectable to the fluid line and mounted on the
mobile apparatus;
f) a second pump connectable to the fluid line and in fluid communication
with the antifreeze reservoir for pumping antifreeze through the line, the
second pump being mounted on the mobile apparatus; and
g) a plurality of spaced apart elongate heater probes connectable to the
line in series flow relationship, each of the probes comprising an inner
and outer concentric tube, the inner tube including a proximal inflow end
for receiving fluid and a distal outflow end for releasing the fluid into
the outer tube, the outer tube including an egress port adjacent the
proximal inflow end of the inner tube such that the fluid flows an
effective distance for heat transfer.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a heating system and, more particularly,
the invention relates to a mobile heating system which is uniquely adapted
for use at construction sites and/or for various ground-thawing purposes.
In the northern climates there are a great many uses for a portable or
mobile heating system, particularly in the construction industry, but also
in the maintenance and correction of ground-freezing problems relating to
preexisting structures. A common problem in the northern climate is the
problem of frozen underground water and/or sewer pipes. This problem is
caused by a combination of factors; in some cases the underground pipes
are laid too close to the surface, and in other cases a severe cold spell
without adequate snow cover causes ground freezing to unexpected depth.
One general type of solution to this problem is to obtain access into the
pipe and/or conduit which is frozen, and inject heated liquid into the
conduit until the frozen portion becomes dislodged of ice. Another general
type of approach which has been used, particularly in the case of metal
underground pipes, is to apply a very high electrical current to the metal
pipe casing, thereby heating it to a temperature which causes the interior
to become thawed. A third general type of solution to this problem has
been to insert heating pipes into the ground itself, and thaw the ground
surrounding the pipe, thereby thawing the pipe. The present invention is
directed to this third type of solution, at least with respect to the
problem of thawing underground pipes.
A further problem exists in connection with outdoor construction projects
in cold climates. For example, construction work such as bricklaying is
severely hampered in cold weather, not only because the concrete tends to
be difficult to maintain in usable form, but also because the sand
mixtures and the bricks themselves tend to become frozen. The optimum
temperature for laying brick or block materials is in the range of
40.degree.-45.degree. Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this
range, the mortar used to bond the bricks and/or blocks will not properly
adhere to the materials, leading to a weakened construction. In such
situations, it would be helpful to heat up the temperature of such
construction materials so as to improve the overall quality and efficiency
of the finished construction project. The present invention is also useful
on construction projects for heating construction materials in preparation
of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A feature of the present invention is the provision, in a heating system
for thawing frozen ground, of a line and a heater for heating fluid being
circulated in the line by a pump, an elongate heater probe for being
implanted in the ground, and an antifreeze reservoir connectable to the
line for pumping antifreeze into the line to protect the line and probe
from freeze damage.
Another feature is the provision, in such a heating system, of the heater,
antifreeze reservoir, and pump being mounted on a mobile apparatus.
Another feature is the provision in such a heating system, of the elongate
heating probe having inner and outer concentric tubes, and the heating
fluid flowing against a large surface area of the outer tube to maximize
heat transfer to the probe's outer environment.
Another feature is the provision in such a heating system, of the probe
being utilized with a block of building material to heat the building
material during a construction process.
Another feature is the provision in such a heating system, of the probe
being utilized with a pile of sand used in mixing cement.
An advantage of the present invention is that a frozen water or sewer line
may be easily thawed.
Another advantage is that the line and heater probes may be retained safely
in place overnight or over the weekend without freeze damage.
Another advantage is that the present heating system may be transported
readily from site to site.
Another advantage is that blocks of building material may be easily warmed
before being cemented into place. Attendant advantages are stronger and
truer structures, as the higher temperature of the blocks improves the
bonding qualities and overall qualities of the job.
Another advantage is that piles of particulate building material such as
sand used in cement may be easily warmed. Thus, the sand flows more
readily and is easier to handle for the worker, and may contribute to a
more accurate mixing of cement.
Another advantage is that the present heating system is easy and
inexpensive to manufacture, install, operate, and maintain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the present heating system being utilized
to thaw a frozen sewer line.
FIG. 2 is another diagrammatic view of the heating system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a detail section view of the elongate heating probe of the
heating system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a plan, partially phantom view of the probes of FIG. 3 in a pile
of sand used in the mixing of cement.
FIG. 5 is a perspective partially phantom view of the probes of FIG. 3
disposed in bricks used for construction purposes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
As shown in FIG. 1, the present heating system is indicated in general by
the reference numeral 10 and includes as its principal components a mobile
apparatus or trailer 11 with a hot water tank and heater 12 and an
antifreeze reservoir 13, a fluid line 14, and elongate probes 15.
Circulation of hot water from the heater 12 and through the planted probes
15 thaws a patch 16 of frozen ground and a frozen sewer or water line 17.
In more particularity with reference to FIG. 1, the trailer 11 includes a
hitching frame 20 for being hitched to a car or truck, and a pair of
wheels 21. Couplings 22, 23 for the line 14 lead into a valving
arrangement (not shown) which in turn regulates flow of fluid to and from
the hot water heater 12 and antifreeze reservoir 13.
As shown in FIG. 2, the hot water heater 12 includes a pump 30 for pumping
the hot water or heating fluid through the line 14 and probes 15. The pump
30 is in fluid communication with the hot water heater 12 and with
respective inlet and outlet portions 31, 32 of the line 14.
As also shown in FIG. 2, the antifreeze reservoir 13 includes a pump 40 for
pumping an antifreeze fluid into the line 14 and probes 15. The pump 40 is
in fluid communication with the antifreeze reservoir 13 and with the inlet
and outlet line portions 31, 32 via respective inlet and outlet reservoir
line portions 41, 42 and respective valves 43, 44. Valves 43, 44 are shut
relative the antifreeze reservoir 13 and open relative the hot water
heater 12 when hot water is being circulated in the line 14 and probes 15.
Valves 43, 44 are open relative the antifreeze reservoir 13 and shut
relative the hot water heater 12 when antifreeze fluid is being pumped
into the line 14 and probes 15. The antifreeze fluid that is typically
utilized is ethylene glycol.
As shown in FIG. 3, the elongate heating probe 15 includes respective inner
and outer concentric steel tubes 50, 51. The inner tube 50 includes a
proximal inflow end 52 for receiving hot water or antifreeze fluid and a
distal apertured outlet end 53 for releasing via its apertures 54 the hot
water or antifreeze fluid into the volume between inner tube 50 and outer
tube 51. The outer tube 51 includes an egress port 55 disposed adjacent
the proximal inflow end 52 of the inner tube 50 such that the hot water
and antifreeze fluid flow a sufficient distance for heat transfer in a
passage 56 formed by the outside surface of inner tube 50 and the inner
surface of the outer tube 51. A plug 57 is secured such as by welding
adjacent to the distal end 53 of the inner tube 50 to seal the probe 15.
As also shown in FIG. 3, the outer tube 51 is threadably connectable to a
tee connection 60 about the egress port 55 and proximal end 52 of the
inner tube 50 for being in fluid communication with the egress port 55.
The tee connection 60 is also threadably connectable to a tubular elbow
connection 61 that directs hot water or antifreeze fluid from the inlet
line portion 31 to the proximal end 52 of the inner tube 60. The tee
connection 60 is further connectable to the outlet line portion 32 or one
of a number of medial line portions 62, which are disposed between probes
15. For being connected to outlet line portion 32 or one of the medial
line portions 62, the tee connection 60 may include sealing ribs 63 for
pinching the line portions 32, 62 in cooperation with a band 64 engaging
one of the line portions 32, 62. The elbow connection 61 also includes
like sealing ribs 65 and a like band 66 for sealing engagement with inlet
line portion 31 or one of the medial line portions 62.
In operation, holes are drilled into the frozen patch 16 of ground
surrounding the frozen sewer or water line 17 or the probes are driven
into the ground, so that the probes are into the ground a reasonable
depth. Antifreeze solution is then pumped via pump 40 through the line 14
and probes 15 until the probes and lines are warmed, and then hot water is
pumped therethrough. Hot water conveyed into the elbow connection 61 flows
into the proximal end 52 of inner tube 50, through inner tube 50, out the
apertures 54 of distal end 53, upwardly through flow passage 56, out of
the egress port 55, through the connection 60, and into the medial line
portion 62 to a subsequent heater probe 15. If circulation of the hot
water ceases either intentionally or unintentionally such as upon a
breakdown of pump 30, it is advantageous to convey antifreeze solution
into the line 14 and probes 15. When pumping antifreeze fluid into line 14
and probes 15, the valves 43, 44 are shut relative the hot water heater 12
and opened relative the antifreeze reservoir 13.
It should be noted that after pumping antifreeze solution into line 14, the
antifreeze fluid in the reservoir 13 may be diluted somewhat by the hot
water previously present in the line 14 and probes 15 and vice versa. If
such dilution is not desired, the hot water may be blown from the line 14
and probes 15 with an air compressor. Conversely, before operation of the
valves 43, 44 to allow hot water flow through the line 14 and probes 15,
excessive antifreeze fluid may be blown from the line 14 and probes 15 by
an air compressor. The lines and probes, and the ground surface around the
area to be heated may be covered with plastic or other material.
As shown in FIG. 4, a pile 70 of sand used in a mixing of cement may be
heated by a plurality of probes 15 attached to the heating system 10
through inlet and outlet line portions 31, 32. As shown in FIG. 5, the
probes 15 may also warm a pile of bricks 72. The probes 15 are inserted in
the aligned apertures 73 of the bricks 72. Plastic sheeting 74 placed over
the bricks 72 or sand 70 facilitates a heating of the sand 70 or bricks
72.
Of course, the number of probes 15 may be varied to accommodate any
particular work site situation, by either varying the spacing between
consecutively positioned probes or by varying the number of such probes
used at the work site. One of the unique advantages of the invention is
the ability to adapt the system to a particular work site configuration,
by merely connecting and/or disconnecting the medial line portion 62,
varying the respective lengths of medial line portion 62, and by inserting
greater or lesser numbers of probes 15 in the series flow circuit.
The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without
departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is
therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all
respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the
appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the
scope of the invention.
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